If you want pep, power and performance in a Lexus, your go-to vehicle is the IS sedan. That’s not to say their other products don’t offer these characteristics (because they do), but the smallest member of the Japanese automaker’s family has a personality that exudes confidence, along with a sporty time.

Design

Over the years, the IS sedan has worn its skin well. I find this five-passenger vehicle to have an appealing aesthetic, especially from the outside. It has clean lines from front to back, with nice curves to round it all out.

To give it even more visual appeal, the 2013 IS 250 AWD has the Special Edition package option ($6,200), a new feature for the 2013 model year.

What does it add? Outside, you’ll find a set of 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels that are unique to the package. Then there’s a front chin spoiler, a rear spoiler and Bi-Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps with dynamic auto-levelling. Inside, there are a few extra goodies. Along with the heated and ventilated front seats, the cabin receives two-tone premium leather surfaces. To put a spotlight on the well-crafted interior, a power moonroof lets the sunlight shine through — provided it’s not snowing, raining or anything in between!

Looking at the centre stack, there really isn’t any guesswork to figure out what button does what. I find this to be a strong point of the IS. Its intuitiveness makes life behind the wheel just that much more enjoyable.

For those waiting for the IS to receive a facelift/overhaul, it’s coming. The 2014 model year will be redesigned on the inside and out. But until then, we can enjoy the current generation.

Performance

With 204 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque being produced by a 2.5-litre V6, the IS 250 certainly has pizzazz under the hood. While the figures might not look exceptionally impressive on paper, this trim still has a lot to offer. It has passing power up hills and enough punch to get you up to highway speeds fairly quickly.

Besides, if you’re an urban driver, this will take care of your everyday needs and then some.

Those who are in search of a more spirited IS sedan — meaning you want more power — there’s the IS 350, which offers a 3.5L V6 with 306 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. Now, it’s that’s still not enough, you have one more option: the IS F. Sitting pretty at the top of the IS lineup is this 5.0L V8 with an inspiring 416 horsepower and 371 lb.-ft. of torque.

When it comes to the IS 250, you have the option of either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. If opting for the AWD model, the only available transmission is a six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The rear-wheel drive comes with the choice of either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

Based on personal preference and having also tested the six-speed manual previously, that’s my go-to transmission choice. But life with the automatic is arguably just as good. Furthermore, using the paddle shifters helps boost its sporty nature even though it has a humble horsepower displacement.

Driving/utility

When behind the wheel, the IS 250 AWD is pleasant to drive. It has an amiable personality and isn’t finicky to work with. The electric power steering works very well in urban and extra-urban environments. I say that because sometimes, electric power steering can have a sleepy feel to it, meaning it takes a little more driver input to get it to do what you want it to do. That’s not the case here. I felt comfortably connected with this sports sedan and found I enjoyed the time we spent together.

Whether running around the city or travelling greater distances, the IS 250 AWD has an estimated fuel consumption of 10.1L/100km in the city and 7.3L/100km on the highway. I averaged 9.4L/100km throughout my test period.

Inside the cabin, it’s fairly snug. Taller individuals will most likely feel slightly cozier. And while there are five seatbelts inside, I wouldn’t want to be the one stuck in the rear middle. There just isn’t a lot of legroom. That said, a few compact sport sedans have this issue, so I’m not singling Lexus out.

Overall, the 2013 IS 250 AWD proved to be a favourable road companion, whether in the rain or shine.